Space limited to 15 students.

This hands-on course is for people interested in podcasting and for those who have always wanted to create a podcast but aren’t sure where to start. Podcasting Jumpstart focuses on the basics, taking you from beginning to end of the podcast creation, production, and publishing process so you can jump right in and learn how to do it yourself.

To get the most out of this course, you will need access to some key equipment each week. That said, we don't want equipment to be prohibitive! If you need help accessing any equipment, please email Morgan at operations@pugspdx.com. We'll help you find what you need.

By signing up for this class, you confirm that you will bring these items to class and will be ready to use them:

Laptop computer with at least 2 GB of RAM running:

Apple OSX 10.6 and higher, or

Windows 7 or higher

Headphones or earbuds

Some way to record yourself or others talking (could be as simple as a smartphone app)

The audio editing software Hindenburg Journalist ($95 for a perpetual license, but it is free for 30 days, which can get you through the course depending on when you start your trial)

Some tools that are useful but not required:

USB microphone or an XLR microphone and accompanying recording interface

External audio recorder

Week One: Overview and Getting Started. We'll get a beginning-to-end overview of the podcast creation and publication process. We'll also start getting familiar with Hindenburg Journalist (the audio editing and production software), which you'll do by putting together your first podcast episode using provided sample content.

Week Two: Episode Formats, Recording, and Music. In the second week, we'll explore different program formats, and you'll decide the best format for you. Learn basic recording techniques and how to select a good microphone. You'll create your first recording and learn to record a conversation between two people in separate locations. We'll consider the use of music in podcasts and you'll learn how to find music you can use legally.

Week Three: Basic Audio Editing and Production. Not all sound files are created equal. This week, we'll learn the basics of editing a raw recording and you'll come away with simple techniques to make your recordings sound better. You'll learn how to create music beds and tasteful fades. And we'll start thinking about publication: we’ll explore different options for your podcast’s home on the internet, including the importance of your RSS feed.

Week Four: Bringing It All Together. In the final week, we’ll make the final refinements to your first episode and will walk through the process of submitting your podcast to Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and other syndication networks. We’ll also explore different ways to promote your podcast and organically expand its reach. Each student will also have an opportunity to share a portion of their work that they are proud of.

John Poelstra produces an array of podcasts, including one where he's also the host - The John Poelstra Show. John believes everyone has an important message to share. He loves demystifying the podcasting process to help new people get started.

John is also a professionally trained coach. He loves the success he creates with unsatisfied mid-career professionals who want more from life and aren’t sure how to get it.